It is with profound sadness and heavy hearts that we announce the devastating loss of two of our own, Corporal Luis Paez and Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller. Both deputies were fatally struck by a female driver traveling eastbound on Southern Blvd while conducting traffic enforcement. Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz was also involved in the tragic accident and is currently fighting for his life.
Corporal Luis Paez dedicated over 36 years of his life to law enforcement, beginning his career at PBSO in January of 1988 as a Corrections Deputy before moving to Road Patrol, and ultimately serving passionately as a motor deputy for more than 20 years.
Deputy Sheriff Ralph “Butch” Waller served with distinction for over 18 years in our motor unit, having started his law enforcement career with the Royal Palm Beach Police Department before it merged with PBSO in October 2008.
Deputy Ignacio “Dan” Diaz, joined PBSO in 2004. He has been a valued member of our motor unit for over 10 years. He is currently in critical condition. We ask for your thoughts and prayers for D/S Diaz and his family during this incredibly difficult time.
We are mourning the loss of our brothers who dedicated their lives to serving and protecting Palm Beach County. We stand together, honoring their memory and supporting their families, friends, and colleagues through this time of immense sorrow. Let us remember their courage and commitment to duty as we pledge to continue their legacy of service.
TO SERVE AND PROTECT WAS THEIR OATH TO HONOR THEM IS OUR DUTY!
Friends and family are remembering Deputy Sheriff Ralph "Butch" Waller and Corporal Luis Paez, who lost their lives in Thursday's accident on Southern Boulevard.
Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz is now fighting for his life in the hospital.
A group of Corporal Paez’s photography friends from all over the nation gathered with WPTV's Zitlali Solache in a Zoom call. While they are torn about the news, they want people to know how special he truly was to them.
“I’m still shock. I am devastated," stated Virginia Carrocio, a friend of Paez. "I’m still processing the information.”
Corporal Paez’s friends say he was also a devoted photographer. They are coming to terms with the tragedy.
“We are in disbelief on what happened," stated friend Kalina Schneider. "Nobody wants to get this phone call that your close friend, close family friend, just passed, and the way he passed.”
But despite the pain, the group of friends wanted to honor him and joined a Zoom call from different cities across the nation.
“This is a pretty big loss for us. I can’t image the families and law enforcement he worked with," shared friend Matt Lima. "That guy was really special.”
During the Zoom call, the group remembered memories they shared with Paez.
“He’s a great guy. We got along so well. So many mutual interests. It was very easy to room with him," shared friend Scott Detweiler. “He lives in Florida and so I would bring him constant cheese, that was the tradition. A pack of a bunch a cheese curds and take it down there."
They say Paez had radiant energy, that was infectious.
"He was always a light in our lives and always fun to be around," stated friend Rich Logan. "It is so difficult to process.”
They say he was 100 days away from retirement and wanted to devote his time to photography.
“Knowing he was so close to retirement absolutely breaks my heart," stated Shanell Bledsoe. "And he was so looking forward to it.”
Deputy Waller’s loved ones respectfully asked for their space during this time, but want him to be kindly remembered.
We also reached out to Deputy Ignacio "Dan" Diaz’s family but have not heard back.
Many will continue to remember the lives of their loved ones.
“He was a deputy, but he was much more than that," stated Carrocio. "He will be surely missed.”
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